Cowboys kick it with school kids

THIS week the region's school students were lucky enough to be paid a visit by former Cowboys players Brent Tate and Matthew Bowen, who came to teach them about healthy living, the importance of education and of course a few footy skills.

The pair spent two days visiting Mackay and Sarina schools and junior football clubs running clinics and meeting some of their most loyal fans.

Tate said they visited a variety of school's including Alligator Creek, St Annes and Sarina State High, among others, and received a warm reception from the kids who were excited to have them in town.

"We've come down and done some skills and drills but we're also talking to kids about healthy well-being and obviously spreading the great word of rugby league,” he said.

"The kids have been fantastic, being a smaller town they seem to really appreciate us being here and are having a great time.”

"So far we've been to Mackay but also to Weipa and Bowen, it's been a really eye opening experience.”

According to Tate, such visits make an impact on young minds, hearing positive messages from not only their parents, teachers but sporting role models as well.

"I guess it comes with the territory of playing rugby league you do become a bit of a role model,” he said.

"Having that profile, guys like Matty Bowen and myself, when we do get to go out to speak to kids we find it makes a difference.

"The teachers really appreciate it, the kids respond well, we're trying to teach them about healthy living but it's also about coming to school, getting an education, we talk to the kids about trying for five, which is five days of school on time.

"Most of the kids obviously know that stuff, but it seems to help hearing it from us too.”

School students and junior rugby club players in the region were able to hear the players message and enjoy a run around, learning some footy skills as well.